This is a good swivel tree stand. We had one of the original swivel tree stands that they made and purchased through QVC almost fifteen years ago. Not sure why it isnt still on the market.

The new XTS3 is good but not great, BUT it is probably the best on the market right now.

The base on the XTS3 one is ~17" across; the older original was ~25" across. The resulting smaller base makes it easier for a tree larger than 6' to potentially fall over (we had that happen on setting up the tree this weekend - before lights etc were put on it). I am not sure why they took away the locking ring on the insert that would lock the bolts to the tree. The one note is that when you put the insert into the base you need to mesh the lugs at the bottom to ensure a good fit.

The insert on the XTS3 has a 5" inside diameter and a 7.5" height. We found out that we had to trim the tree base down to fit the insert.

The foot adjustment pedal pulls out and works easily.

$40 - $50 is the right price to pay for the XTS3. Given what is out there and what I have seen with this new one it's a good buy.

MAR 13 Update I would caution those buying it to remember to carefully gauge the tree you put into the stand. I would say that anything over 6 feet should not go in it. because of the smaller base than in previous models, it is VERY prone to tipping with larger truck or taller trees. Still a good stand - just dont overload it.

This tree stand was much easier to use and I was able to get my tree up in minutes. I'm not giving it 5 stars only because the setup directions were a bit confusing on how to tilt the tree. It said to press down until you hear a click when all you need to do is pull the lever out to adjust. I spent 15 mins trying to get it to click before I realized this and almost broke the lever because I thought it was stuck! But I love the stand!

Welcome to my world. I'm the poor sucker that always got saddled with "putting up the tree" to every ones mutually disagreed concept of perfection: After an hour of struggling the get the antique $#%^ stand on the tree then two hours of tweaking to the point it was standing perfectly straight... Then... "Lets turn it" and start all over again. After about three hours I'd declare "I'm $#&%* done, so %^$&% live with it" And at that point, everyone else involved was absent or having some other sidebar feud derived from the tree event. All because of an ill designed junky, old, christmas tree stand. Which this isn't. It's a quick and dirty family saver... And has gone a long way toward improving my otherwise tenuous holiday attitude. A little pricy but TOTALLY worth it. So what next? Trim the tree? I did my part so I'll shut up and watch.

Happy Holidays...finally.

I am pleased with this stand, but there is something you need to know. Unless you have a tree with a trunk diameter of 2" or less you must round off the edge of the flat bottom to make it somewhat dome shaped to fit the domed shape bottom of the cup that you mount on the tree. If you don't the spikes will not reach the bottom of the tree and it will not be secured in the bottom of the cup. I had a trunk size about 1" less than the maximum capacity with an irregular shape. It seemed like a difficult task to round this so I drilled a small hole in the bottom of the cup and ran a 3" drywall screw into the center of the tree. Be sure to get it tight but not deform the cup much. Doing this worked well. A better design on this cup would be to have had a flat inner bottom with spikes. What I really like about this stand is that you secure the cup on the tree with the tree lying on its side and can easily get it straight and secure. They you just carry the tree in and drop it in the stand base. The petal allows you to get the tree vertical. When it is time to take the tree down you simply lift the tree from the base, slip a plastic bag over the wet cup and carry it out where you can easily loosen the screws to remove the cup. The screws, themselves, have a large knob and are easier than any other I have used.

Have used this particular model of tree stand for over 15 years. It is a superior product. Best stand you could possibly get. No hassle of tightening one side then the other only to still have your tree standing crooked like you do with traditional stands. Simple press of the pedal and you can straighten your tree. Worth every penny!

There is a "Cup" that your tree stem goes into. That cup then goes into the stand and then you do your leveling by stepping on the the pedal. TAKE THE CUP WITH YOU WHEN PICKING OUT YOUR TREE!!

This way you know how many branches you'll lose at the bottom, and if the trunk will fit. I've had to "shave" more than 1 tree until I got wise and beagan bringing the cup with me.

Also, do be careful not to overtighten the 3 screws into your tree. The plastic frame of the cup could snap if you do due to too much pressure, and then you're bummed.